Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in fitness and wellness management tend to be social, methodical, and innovative.
You need:
- emotional maturity and a healthy lifestyle
- self-confidence
- honesty, patience and empathy
- to be highly organized
- the ability to motivate and encourage people
- the ability to think quickly and adapt to unexpected changes.
Some occupations require shift work and extended hours, including nights and weekends.
You should enjoy living a healthy lifestyle, developing new ways to promote good health and helping others achieve personal health goals.
You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for personal trainers and group exercise leaders to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
You will participate in two required practicum placements, with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.
In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program.
International students must also complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) and obtain a co-op work permit to attend practicum. For more information, please contact the International Centre.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
You will graduate with the Health and Fitness Federation of Canada Certified Personal Trainer (HFFC- CPT) certification.
You’ll also be ready to take the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainers (CSEP-CPT) exam.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be awarded a SAIT Fitness and Wellness Management diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sports and fitness (54100)
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41404)
- Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors (50012)
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers (41406)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:
- at least 65% in Biology 30 or Science 30, and
- at least 65% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2, and
- at least 65% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Fitness and Wellness Management diploma requires 67.5 credits (24 courses) to complete.
The program spans two years, with three semesters each year.
Suggested schedule of study
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000-$1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
An Apple or Android laptop or tablet is preferred to other device types. Phones are not suitable.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. Booklists are created by semester and available approximately two weeks before classes begin.
Additional fees
You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.
Health and Public Safety program advising
For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Program outcomes
- Business - apply entrepreneurial thinking and core sales and marketing skills to fitness and wellness.
- Leadership and influence - demonstrate compassion and influence skills in all relevant interactions for facilitating improvements in all dimensions of health and wellness for clients.
- Digital literacy - use technology appropriately in delivering and managing fitness and wellness to improve client outcomes and experience.
- Communication - use effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills to improve client health outcomes in all fitness and wellness settings.
- Safe and ethical practice - facilitate fitness and wellness exercises safely and competently within the scope of practice.
- Professionalism - demonstrate professional conduct and commitment to life-long learning and continuing education opportunities that support personal practice.
- Fitness and exercise management - design effective fitness and wellness programs based on anatomy, physiology, and nutrition principles.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion - apply best practices for working with diverse populations to assist clients in achieving their unique health and fitness goals.
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